General, Upper GI & Bariatric Surgeon

Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass discussion

Gastric Bypass has been around for almost 50 years in various forms. The fact that it has endured for so long and is still one of the most commonly performed operations for obesity worldwide is proof of its effectiveness. The development of gastric bypass is credited to Dr Edward Mason in 1966 but the procedure has undergone several modifications from its initial form. It was performed laparoscopically first in 1994.

The essential goal in bypass surgery is to create a small stomach out of the normal stomach for food to go into. This "pouch" of stomach is separated completely from the rest of the stomach, unlike the classic "stomach stapling" operation where there is just a partition in the stomach rather than complete separation. After the small pouch is made, gastrointestinal continuity is maintained by connecting the small bowel to the pouch. Food and fluid consumed therefore bypasses the main stomach and duodenum which remain in place.

Benefits of the bypass include the following:

The reliability of weight loss is excellent

The magnitude of weight loss is usually better than gastric banding

The rate of weight loss is usually rapid

The operation is anti-reflux in nature and should resolve most cases of gastro-oesophageal reflux

The operation has been around for decades therefore we have plenty of information about its long term safety and efficacy

There is usually substantial hunger suppression after bypass surgery

It is extremely powerful against diabetes and has hormonal effects independent of weight loss improving the body's ability to fight diabetes

It can be done with a laparoscopic (keyhole) approach almost all the time

There is usually less food intolerance compared to gastric band patients

There is no permanent removal of a normal organ such as with sleeve gastrectomy surgery

Video of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Robotic Surgery Videos

Robotic Gastric Bypass Surgery

Mr Clough is one of the most experienced surgeons in Australia using robotic technology to aid in getting the best outcomes after gastric bypass surgery. More information about the Da Vinci robot can be found here.